BC-BKN--Timberwolves-Towns,1st Ld-Writethru

February 22, 2019

Minnesota Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns is in concussion protocol after a car accident and is missing a game for the first time in his career. The All-Star was involved in a car accident on his way to the airport during the break and was ruled out versus the Knicks upon arriving in New York. Towns had started all 303 games since being the No. 1 pick in the 2015 draft, the longest streak to begin a career since 1970-71.

NEW YORK (AP) — Minnesota Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns is in concussion protocol after a car accident and is missing a game for the first time in his career.

The All-Star was involved in a car accident on his way to the airport during the break. He was cleared to fly and arrived in New York, where after further examination he was placed in the concussion protocol and ruled out for Friday’s game against the Knicks.

Towns had started all 303 games since being the No. 1 pick in the 2015 draft, the longest streak to begin a career since 1970-71.

It wasn’t immediately clear where the accident occurred. Minneapolis police said they didn’t handle any incident involving Towns and coach Ryan Saunders had no other details before the game.